Motifs

Consider the number of times variations on the word "trifles" occurs throughout the novel, and especially now in Part I. Cite specific places in which the term is used, and discuss the importance of "trifles" in those sections of the texts.

Part I, Chapter I--Symbolism

Why may the temperature or time of year be important in this section of the novel?

Part I, Chapter I--Inference

Throughout this chapter, Raskolnikov responds in what ways to various other people, and why?

Part I, Chapter II--Understanding other Cultures

What do you learn about Russian culture from Katerina Ivanovna’s marriages, her reactions to others, such as Lebeziatnikov and Marmeladov, and their reactions to her?

Part I, Chapter III-Evaluation

What questions should a person have nowadays about Pulcheria's perceptions of Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin as described in her letter, and are these valid questions for the 1850’s in Russia about a future spouse?

Part I, Chapter 1V--Characterization

Why does Raskolnikov begin thinking of Razumihin and in what way does Razumihin act as a foil for Raskolnikov at this point in the novel?

Part I, Chapter V--Symbolism

Why was the detailed description of the area of Vassilyevsky Ostrov and the Lesser Neva included here?